Every spring, a new crop of teens begins the rite of passage known as Prom.

Megan Jones (submitted photo)

There are dresses, date proposals, limo rentals and after-parties for the kids. Along with the price tag comes worry, concern and even panic for parents and school officials.

Increased consumption of illegal and controlled substances among American youth has driven their percentage of the addicted population from 7.5 percent in 2007 to 14.5 percent in 2014, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.

Problem "binge" drinking accounts for 90 percent of adolescent alcohol consumption, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Gone are the days where parents' only concern was beer.

Synthetic drugs and prescription opioid medications are far more dangerous and in some cases, more readily available. Hallmark events such as Prom and Graduation are prime opportunities to take celebration too far.

Parents and educators know that the teen brain is neither prepared to make wise decisions in high-pressure social situations, nor is it developed enough to handle the effects of drugs and alcohol.

That places a large burden on influential adults to discuss the effects these substances have on the mind and body, and even a teen's future.

This is a monumental task that can't be hurried.

Prevention of all dangerous adolescent behaviors has one thing in common: meaningful communication. A last-minute lecture, scare tactics at the door, and half-hearted threats don't work. Here's what does:

Talk with your teen early and often

Respect their autonomy.

Establish an open-door policy with social media and electronics

Prepare for important discussions.

Develop a code.

Be present and engaged.

Know when to get help.

Megan Jones is a community affairs assistant at Gaudenzia Inc. She writes from Harrisburg.